Table 1 Actor definitions from Rees et al. [2]

Consumers

The people who use health services, who in this study are represented by peak or sectorial bodies that have an advocacy role or welfare interest in a population group or a sector which consume the health system’s services

Education Providers

The group of actors that provide the actual education and training provision to the professionals and employee groups within the system

Government

The statutory bodies with roles prescribed by laws and that deliver policy, purchasing, accreditation for institutions or provide for the governing structure of the system

Health Providers

The group of actors that provide health care services to a range of consumers

Professional Body

The group of actors that is responsible for the setting and monitoring of standards for the different professions or specialties within the system and that also play key roles in the vocational and continuing education of those professionals

Regulatory Body

The group of organisations defined by the Health Practitioner Competency Act that set standards and manage the safety and of the health workforce on behalf of the consumer

Representative Body

The group of actors which provide representation and advocacy for employee and professional groups and who may deliver a range of operational support and advice for the provision of their member’s professional services within the system